Online MBA in Energy Programs: 2024 Rankings and Program Directory

Make an online MBA or Executive MBA in energy work for you! Our research team has canvassed the country to locate AACSB and regionally accredited energy MBA programs that are 100% online (or close to it). Below, you will find advice on choosing a graduate business degree in energy, details on what to look for, and answers to common FAQs. We then look at the ten best energy MBA programs and what makes them elite before closing with our comprehensive program listings.

What Online MBA Degrees in Energy Are Available?

Energy-focused online MBA degrees in our listings come in two flavors—the MBA and the EMBA. You won’t have a huge amount of choice, but you’ll still be able to find distance learning programs from universities in a number of states (put your hands up, Texas and Oklahoma). Once you’ve decided on the framework, you can customize the curriculum to suit your energy interests.

• Early Career & Mid-Career: If you’re interested in business management, analyst & consulting positions within the energy industry, but you don’t have a lot of leadership experience, explore the Online MBA in Energy.
• Mid-Career & Senior-Level: Anyone with 3+ years of managerial & supervisory experience in a relevant field should be considering the Online Executive MBA in Energy.

Online MBA and EMBA programs in energy are designed to be efficient & intense. Reserve around 1.5-2 years for full-time study or longer for part-time study. Talk to your employer about your plans. And take a look at our companion guide to the Online Master’s Degree in Energy before you land on a program.

How to Choose an Online MBA in Energy

Online MBA in Energy

Online MBA programs are designed for early career and mid-career professionals who aspire to management & leadership positions. So programs in our listings are always built around a business core. Throughout the degree, you’ll be required to complete credits in accounting, management, marketing, business strategy, and finance. You could also be challenged to tackle high-level topics like managerial economics and prescriptive analytics.

After you’ve got some business knowledge under your belt, you’ll be able to hone in on energy issues. Energy courses might be offered in the form of a concentration, focus area, or even an embedded graduate certificate. In some cases, the online MBA could be dedicated to a specific energy issue (e.g. Franklin Pierce’s Online MBA in Energy & Sustainability).

• Visit the curriculum links in our listings to compare your choices. Energy coursework might skew towards energy finance & financial management (e.g. OSU), leadership & CEO concerns (e.g. TCU), or encompass everything from energy investments to energy law (e.g. UTPB).
• Examine our Q&A on job prospects before you make a decision. If you’re prepping for a leadership role within your current O&G company, you’ll be looking for a different framework than someone interested in project finance for a solar development startup.
• Review the class profile to decide if your GPA, level of experience, and energy interests would be a good fit for the program. Don’t be too discouraged if you’re a little out of the box—universities like to ensure their MBA students have a range of diverse backgrounds and degrees.

Online Executive MBA in Energy

Online Executive MBA (EMBA) programs in energy are built for mid-career professionals with existing leadership skills. Universities are usually looking for degree candidates with significant work experience, including 3+ years of management or supervisory experience. Online EMBAs often feature in-person elements (e.g. international residency) and plenty of opportunities to interact with fellow students.

Energy coursework in an EMBA will be a step up from the online MBA. You might still receive training in the fundamentals of energy management, but you could also have opportunities to explore the ins & outs of derivatives and energy trading. Or energy financial valuation and modeling. Use the curriculum links in our listings to get an instant overview of your choices.

Most folks pursue an EMBA after close consultation with their company or organization. It’s the kind of degree that’s ideal for senior managers and corporate executives who want to strengthen their management muscles and forge global connections.

Online MBA in Energy: What to Look For

Regional & Business Accreditation

Regional accreditation shows that an educational institution has met certain baseline quality standards. It’s also a requirement in job listings—employers will expect your MBA to be from a regionally accredited school. That’s why we insist all of the colleges and universities in our listings carry accreditation from one of six regional accrediting organizations (e.g. MSCHE, SACSCOC, etc.) in the country.

To ensure that your online MBA or EMBA is respected, you should also confirm that the School of Business is accredited. There are three major bodies who accredit business programs & schools throughout the world—think of them as siblings:

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB): AACSB is usually regarded as the gold standard of accreditation—only ~5% of business schools in the world have it. The  initial accreditation process takes 3+ years and schools must undergo a peer review every 5 years.
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP): ACBSP is the middle child. It’s slightly younger than AACSB and more focused on teaching, learning, and student outcomes. It’s not as well-known as AACSB, but it’s still a respectable choice.
• International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE): IACBE is the youngest kid in the family—it was recognized as an accrediting body by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in 2011. It  You’ll often see IACBE accreditation at smaller private schools who don’t have the funding or clout of prestigious research universities.

All of the schools in our listings are accredited by one of these bodies. But you’ll need to decide how much the AACSB designation matters to your career prospects. With an online MBA, you may want that extra quality marker.

Online Delivery & On-Campus Requirements

Online MBA and EMBA programs in energy like to mix things up. Some will be a 100% online; some will have mandatory campus requirements. Some will have live virtual classes & activities every week; some will let you collaborate on your own time. Compare the following elements when you’re putting together your shortlist:

• 100% Online vs. In-Person Elements: 100% online programs like Norwich’s ACBSP-accredited Online MBA or UW’s AACSB-accredited Online MBA do not require any travel—you can complete the entire degree from home. But a number of energy MBA programs in our listings contain useful in-person experiences like overseas trips (e.g. OU’s International Module)  or campus residencies (e.g. MBA@Rice Residential). Choose the format that suits your needs.
• Cohort-Based vs. Stop & Start: In a cohort-based online MBA program in energy, you’ll be in lock-step with your fellow students. You’ll all take courses together and finish at the same time. A stop & start program will allow you to vary your courseload by semester or even take a semester off. Cohort-based programs can be valuable for building connections, but challenging if you have fluctuating work responsibilities.
• Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Learning: Asynchronous means you can study, watch videos & lectures, and complete assignments on your own time. Synchronous learning will involve live, real-time elements like online lectures, virtual class discussions, group activities, and breakout rooms. Make sure you know what’s expected of online students. And don’t be afraid to ask the program coordinator if you can sit-in on a class or view a course demo.

MBA programs are as much about networking & industry opportunities as they are about learning. So it’s worth considering online programs that include in-person elements. They may cost more upfront, but they could lead to lucrative opportunities after graduation.

Career-Building Elements

Once you graduate with an online MBA in energy, you’re going to be competing with on-campus students on the job market. Keep in mind that these rivals have spent 1-2 years working in industry placements, collaborating with energy faculty & student groups, meeting at energy conferences, and attending recruiting events. They’re networked up!

If you’re not already employed by a company who’s supporting your MBA education, choose a distance learning degree that’s going to give you the best shot at landing your dream job. For instance, you may wish to ask the program coordinator if the online MBA includes:

• Energy case competitions
• Field study projects
• CEO forums
• Mentoring opportunities
• Real-world case studies with industry partners
• Virtual or in-person meetings with energy executives
• Optional trips to conferences or networking events

If the online MBA or EMBA includes a final capstone project, pay attention to how it is structured. Schools may expect you to work on a business project that is sponsored by a large energy company or multinational corporation. Do they provide you with introductions to those companies? Can you review a list of recent capstone topics? This project may be one of the shining elements on your résumé.

Energy Industry Credentials

When you start applying for jobs, the MBA is just the start. Hiring committees are also going to be considering the reputation of the School of Business. You shouldn’t have any trouble with an online degree if you’re backed by a university with strong name recognition.

• Energy Institutes: Big universities are able to fund their own research institutes (e.g. TCU’s Ralph Lowe Energy Institute, Rice’s Baker Center for Energy Studies, etc.). What kinds of industry partnerships have they cultivated? Do they organize events & initiatives for students?
• Advisory Boards: Many MBA programs are created with the input of an independent advisory board made up of industry experts. Who is on this board? What are their energy credentials? Where do they work?
• Opportunities with Industry Partners: Even if you don’t live near the school, you may be able to take advantage of opportunities with the school’s industry partners. Can you make time for a summer internship or rotational training program in your area? Can you arrange virtual coffee chats about consulting roles?  What are partners doing in your neck of the woods?
• Job Placements: Schools of Business often list examples of graduate outcomes on their websites, but do a little digging to find out more. Where do most graduates end up working? What career services can online MBA students take advantage of?  Can you take part in coaching sessions, mock interviews, and résumé reviews? Can you speak to alumni to learn more about their job hunting experience?

Additional Energy MBA Rankings

We discussed the best online energy MBA programs, but perhaps you’re searching for the programs that will take the shortest time to complete or cost the least. We’ve got you covered. Below, we discuss the most affordable and fastest energy MBA programs online.

Cheapest Online MBA in Energy Programs

The cheapest online MBA programs in our listings come from lesser known public universities. UTPB and MSU Texas have programs that are under $20,000 in tuition. Choose a school like UW or Franklin Pierce and you’ll only be paying ~$25,000 in tuition.

But it pays to remember that some online MBA programs come with hidden fees & expenses. For example, if you’re considering a degree with on-campus elements and/or global experiences, you’ll need to budget for travel and accommodation expenses, as well as time off work. Ask the program coordinator for a sample budget to make sure you’re planning for all of the costs involved.

Fastest Online MBA in Energy Programs

The fastest online MBA program in our listings is UW’s Online MBA with an energy concentration (e.g. 3 semesters). The standard minimum is 18 months; more in-depth programs like Rice’s degree will take 2 years. Part-time studies can stretch up to 5 years.

The fastest online EMBA program in our listings is OU’s Online Executive MBA in Energy with specializations in hydrocarbons or renewables. It’s designed to be tackled in 15 months. In contrast, a program like TSU’s 100% Online Executive MBA in Energy Finance might take 24 months/2 years.

Online MBA in Energy FAQs

Should I Pursue an Online MS or an Online MBA?

An online MBA in energy is a niche degree, so it pays to ask around before you invest. Some energy employers may be more impressed with certifications and work experience. Others may be willing to consider alternative options like the Online MS in Energy Management.

We go into a fair amount of detail about the MS in our guide to the Online Master’s Degree in Energy. These kinds of programs can help you advance your current technical & subject-specific expertise (e.g. energy engineering, renewable energy, etc). They may explore corporate topics, but they’re not set up as business administration programs.

When in doubt, look at the LinkedIn profiles of people with roles that you’re eyeing. Which degree do they hold? If you’re super-keen, you may even wish to consider earning a dual degree (MS & MBA). Or you could choose a “generalist” online MBA with no energy coursework and add an online graduate certificate in energy.

What Can I Do with an Online MBA in Energy?

Unlike traditional MBA students, online MBA graduates in energy fields usually end up in wild and wonderful places. Your ultimate destination will depend on your undergraduate major, your professional skills & talents, and your choice of degree in our listings. Here are a few popular roads to consider:

• Mangerial and leadership roles within your current company
• Corporate strategy & analyst roles in energy fields
• Energy consulting for management consulting firms (e.g. MBB), energy companies, tech companies, and government bodies
• Energy finance roles at banks, utility companies, investment groups, energy development companies, and more
• Business development roles for energy start-ups & companies backed by Venture Capital (e.g. sales, strategy, marketing, strategic partnerships, etc.)
• Senior operating roles at large energy companies—you may qualify for a training or rotational program during your MBA in order to prepare for these positions (e.g. SCE’s MBA Leadership Development Program, Chevron’s Finance & Commercial MBA Development Program, etc.)
• Product management, strategy & marketing roles at mid-size and large tech companies (e.g. software, hardware, and financial products related to energy)

In general, you’re looking to match your business strengths (e.g. analytics, strategy, sales, operations, procurement, supply chains, etc.) with an energy role that’s in dire need of your expertise. For real-world examples, check out Fuqua’s list of alumni careers in Energy & Environment.

Am I Eligible to Apply for an Online MBA in Energy?

Online MBA programs and online EMBA programs in energy have different admissions requirements. We’ve included links to the application page in our listings to help speed your search. Each School of Business will have their own expectations for candidates, but here are some general rules of thumb:

• Online MBA in Energy: You should have bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university (or the international equivalent); a solid GPA (e.g. 3.0 or higher); and 2-3 letters of recommendation. Some schools will want to see GRE or GMAT scores; some waive that requirement. For certain programs, you may be expected to have at least 3-5 years of professional work experience. If your undergraduate degree was not in business or a STEM field, you may also be required to complete prerequisites.
• Online EMBA in Energy: You’ll typically need to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, letters of recommendation, and a significant amount of work experience in the energy industry, including 3+ years of experience in management roles. GRE or GMAT scores are usually not required. Bear in mind that the application process for EMBAs is competitive.

What is an Accelerated Online MBA?

An accelerated Online MBA is a fast-track program that’s open to certain candidates. For example, TCU offers an accelerated version of its Online MBA in Energy to applicants who have a BBA, a strong undergraduate record, a high GMAT score, and at least 3 years of professional work or military experience. These students can complete the MBA in 36 semester hours instead of 42 and shorten their learning time.

Is an Online MBA in Energy Worth the Price?

It depends. An online MBA can lead to a significant boost in your income & career opportunities—but only if it’s a strong business program with outstanding graduate outcomes. As we’ve mentioned, you’re going up against competitors with on-campus qualifications. You’ve got to be able to compete.

The best way to avoid disappointment is to reach out to recent alumni. They’ll give you their unvarnished opinions on the quality of the learning experience and the job market for energy graduates.

How Can I Pay for an Online MBA in Energy?

Online MBA students often end up paying for their degree through a variety of means, including:

• Work income
• Student loans
• Savings
• Tuition discounts
• Military & veteran benefits
• Employer tuition assistance
• Corporate sponsorship

Planning to study for a part-time online MBA in energy while you work for your company? They should be helping you with reimbursement. Make an appointment with your supervisor to discuss your education & career aims.  Even if they can’t cover all of your tuition, they may be happy to split the costs.

Schools of Business tend to have deeper pockets than Colleges of Engineering, so be sure to ask about criteria for institutional scholarships & fellowships. For instance, the Spears School of Business offers a number of modest graduate scholarships to MBA students. You can also use internet search tools to look into external scholarships and grants.